Maximising your budget might seem impossible; after all, a downstairs WC is a must, and you’ve always hoped for a driveway. But are these wants and desires preventing you from finding something you can actually afford? Like everything else in life, buying a property needs a bit of compromise.

Can’t stand football? Wouldn’t dream of tuning into this year’s World Cup in Qatar? Here’s a list of four things you can do instead.

A lovely three bedroom semi detached home situated on Bolgoed Road, Pontarddulais

A beautifully presented three bedroom semi detached home situated on James Street, Pontarddulais.

A beautifully presented and modernised three bedroom detached home situated on Heol Y Waun, Pontlliw

A beautiful two bedroom semi detached home situated on Tal Y Coed, Hendy.

A lovely three bedroom semi detached home situated on Rhodfa'r Eos, Cwmrhydyceirw

A beautifully presented three bedroom semi detached home situated on Woodfield Avenue, Pontlliw.

A beautifully presented four bedroom home tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in Ffordd Yr Odyn, Pontarddulais

A three bedroom semi detached home situated on Teglan Park, Tycroes

The economic events of recent months have prompted plenty of to-ing and fro-ing in the housing market.

How much time does it actually take to buy a property? Viewings, mortgages, solicitors - it all takes time.